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The discount is available from Wednesday 19th December to Tuesday 2nd January 2019.

Please enter festive20 at checkout to receive 20% off your order!

*Please note for any book orders placed from Friday 21st December to Monday 1st January your order will be dispatched on Tuesday 2nd January.

The Role of the Chair in a Private Company - The Essential Handbook

Digital Download

Being the board chairman in a private company is a constant challenge.

Even for an experienced Non-Executive Director, picking up this particular mantel can be daunting, having as it does, a whole new series of issues to manage. If you are about to start down this particular road, or just want to hone your skills further, take a look at our practical guide written by Jo Haigh, our CEO who currently holds 11 chair roles.

Non-Executive Chair Service Contract

Digital Download

A non-executive chair is not an employee of the company and the role holder does not hold a management position. The role of the chair is to lead the board and receive plans and proposals from the CEO and manage the debate with the board. This standard contract outline the duties and responsibilities the non-executive chair will have within the company, as well as being fully editable to adjust to any specific requirements the company may have.

£49+VAT

Executive Chair Service Contract

Digital Download

The executive chair can be a stand alone role and may also incorporate the role of chief executive. The role is to provide top-level leadership of a business or non-profit entity. Each business will have their specific roles and responsibilities for its executive chair which is contingent on the size and nature of the business. Our standard template allows you to edit roles, duties and responsibilities as applicable. This executive chair service contract accompanies the executive service contract which should already be in place before the appointment.

£49+VAT

How to Be an Effective Non-Executive Director or Super NED Pack

Digital Download

Being a Non-Executive Director is a dream many share, it can be hugely rewarding both personally and financially. However, whilst there are many aspirational people out there striving to reach this potential pinnacle of business success, there are an equal number who fail to make the grade even when they are lucky enough to secure the post.

Whilst we can’t make you fly in the literal sense, we can make you fly euphemistically to the top of the board.

By honing a set of extraordinary skills this guide will take you beyond the acceptable to the exceptional and help you to be instrumental in creating a world class board.

Shareholders Agreement: Checklist & Standard Template

What power do the shareholders wish to retain themselves i.e. not delegate to the directors?

How shareholders will deal with their own shareholding

Shareholder agreements are unlike Articles of Association, which are the rules laid down by the shareholders as to how they will allow directors to run their business. Articles of Association are also in the public domain at Companies House and bind all directors and shareholders.

The shareholders agreement is a private document and only binds those parties that sign it (unless you have something called a Deed of Adherence).

Shareholder agreements are essential in times of shareholder upset, they can save time, money and upset, as they lay out clearly how shareholder issues will be dealt with.

Sadly, these “prenuptial type documents” are not often put in place before the shareholders approach the divorce court, yet with foresight and good planning, such documents can be put in place to ensure the shareholders avoid expensive and distracting costs and time by providing contractual processes for disputes.

Whilst we are comfortable with this template, you may like to take legal advice before completion to assist with any local nuances related to your specific position.

How to Build & Manage the Dream Advisory Board - Standard

Digital Download

Do you already have a formally appointed board of directors who are overwhelmed with the current workload or maybe they are simply too operational? It may be wise to implement an Advisory Board to improve your company performance. If you wish to find out how to do this with confidence purchase fds' standard guide and terms of reference.

A standard contract for services template that you can use for your individual needs. Getting the agreement skilfully drafted for the services of a NED is just as important for the NED in your board room, as it is for your executive director, and if you are the NED in question - it is essential.

£49+VAT

Director's Induction Pack

Digital Download

On the day you are fortunate enough to become a director wouldn't it be great to hit the ground running and start your new role better prepared?

And if you are part of an existing board and want to ensure your new appointees are super effective from day one, then having a great induction plan will increase their chances.

This Director’s Induction Pack gives you a comprehensive tool kit that you can tailor to your company using our straightforward checklist and templates. The pack’s sections and attachments include:

A Directors Board Pack

Digital Download

Boards of directors come in all shapes and forms and one size doesn't fit all. Also, what was appropriate when you first set out on your business journey will certainly change as your organisation develops. It isn't complicated to achieve an ideal board, if you have a map and a clear guide of instructions for best practice.

fds's Directors Board Pack covers such topics as:

Understanding what a board meeting really is and how often they should be held

The Business Rules

The business world is awash with legal pitfalls
as well as opportunities. If you own or run a small-to-medium sized
business (with a turnover of up to 10 million) you cannot afford to miss
out on this book.

£9.99

Tales from the Glass Ceiling

12-14% of UK businesses are majority owned by women, a statistic that
shows both the great strides women have made in business in the past
two decades and how many obstacles still remain in a culture where 90%
of the top roles are held by men. Jo Haigh has worked for many years in corporate finance, and has experienced these obstacles, and overcome them.

£7.99

Buying and Selling a Business: An Entrepreneurs Guide

For many the dream of owning their own business remains just that. Even
if you have a great idea, the work and money involved in building a
business from the ground up can prove too daunting. What few aspiring
entrepreneurs realise is that buying an already existing business can be
far easier, sometimes possible with little or no money at all, and can
be just as satisfying a route to self-sufficiency.

£8.99

FT Guide to Finance for Non-Financial Managers

The Financial Times Guide to Finance for Non-Financial Managers
will show you how to transform seemingly complex financial information
and statistics into data that makes sense. And into data that you’ll
feel confident talking about. You’ll learn the language of finance,
which will help you better formulate decisions on a day-to-day basis

£19.99

The Keys to The Boardroom

Reaching the boardroom is the aspiration of most
managers, but only a few achieve this goal. At the same time the
director's role is under greater scrutiny than ever before. The Keys to
the Boardroom will provide a map to the boardroom and help you to stay
there.

£12.99

Discover How We Can Help You

Discover Our Services

We are here to support you on your business journey. If you, or your company require specialist business support, the fds Journey Planner can help point you in the right direction.